Hidden Gems: Meet Matthew Devore of The Bowling Green Rock Band Academy

Today we’d like to introduce you to Matthew Devore

Hi Matthew, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
From Summer Camp to Year-Round Academy: The Story of the Bowling Green Rock Band Academy

Nestled in the heart of Bowling Green, Kentucky, the Bowling Green Rock Band Academy (BGRBA) is more than just a music school—it’s a thriving community of passionate musicians, dedicated teachers, and students of all ages who come together to create something truly special. What started as a simple summer camp for young musicians has, in just a few short years, evolved into a year-round program offering both individual lessons and group instruction in a wide range of musical styles and genres.

Humble Beginnings

BGRBA began with a simple yet powerful vision: to provide young musicians in the Bowling Green community with a space to hone their craft, collaborate with peers, and experience the magic of performing in a band. The academy functions primarily as a semester-based group program, offering four semesters a year that align with the four seasons, plus private lessons offered year-round. Whether it is lessons or group instruction, all roads lead to stage opportunities, truly giving anyone that learns at the academy a streamlined approach to gaining experience and exposure as a growing and budding musician.

A Place for Everyone

Today, BGRBA has expanded to serve students ranging from ages 4 to 84, proving that it’s never too early—or too late—to embrace the joy of making music. Whether a student is picking up an instrument for the first time, preparing for a professional career in music, or simply looking to have fun in a supportive group setting, there is a place for them at BGRBA. With over 20 highly skilled teachers and 500 students, the academy offers instruction in all styles and genres of music, ensuring that each student finds their unique voice.

The Secret to Success: The Teachers

At the core of BGRBA’s success is its exceptional team of educators. The academy has built a model that prioritizes and values its teachers, offering the best payout structure in the industry—far surpassing competitors like Guitar Center or School of Rock. With over 80% of revenue going directly to instructors, BGRBA ensures that its teachers are not only fairly compensated but also deeply invested in the success of their students. This approach has cultivated a staff of professional musicians, college professors, and public school educators, all bringing a wealth of knowledge and experience under one roof.

Beyond the Classroom: Building a Community

BGRBA is not just about lessons—it’s about opportunities. The academy has long been committed to providing students with real-world performance experiences, regularly partnering with community events and local festivals to showcase student talent. Over the years, BGRBA students have had the chance to open for legendary acts like The Kentucky Headhunters and Sam Bush, and some have even shared the stage with Cage the Elephant, one of Bowling Green’s most celebrated musical exports.

Giving Back: The BG Amplify Foundation

BGRBA believes that financial barriers should never stand in the way of musical education. Through its nonprofit arm, The BG Amplify Foundation, the academy has worked tirelessly to provide scholarships and financial assistance to students in need. Thanks to generous donations from iconic artists and bands like Korn, Pearl Jam, Jack White, and Dan Auerbach, to name a few, the foundation continues to break down barriers and make music education accessible to all.

Looking Ahead

With a strong foundation built on passion, professionalism, and community, the future of BGRBA is brighter than ever. As the academy continues to grow, its mission remains the same: to inspire, educate, and empower musicians of all ages and backgrounds. Whether a student dreams of taking the stage at a local festival or simply wants to jam with friends, BGRBA is here to make those dreams a reality.

In Bowling Green, music isn’t just something you listen to—it’s something you live. And at the Bowling Green Rock Band Academy, that spirit of music is alive and well.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
The journey of BGRBA has been anything but smooth, yet every challenge has been met with passion, dedication, and the unwavering support of our community. Incredibly, we launched this venture at the very start of the pandemic—a time when bringing people together seemed nearly impossible. By all logic, we shouldn’t have made it this far. And yet, against all odds, BGRBA not only survived but continues to thrive. From financial hurdles to busted pipes, broken musical gear, and the countless challenges any business encounters, our heart and mission have never wavered. The dream, love, and passion behind BGRBA, along with the incredible friends and supporters who believe in what we do, have made every obstacle easier to overcome. No matter what comes our way, our team stands ready to fight for the greater good of BGRBA and the vibrant music community we are proud to serve.

We’ve been impressed with The Bowling Green Rock Band Academy, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
What should we know about BGRBA?
Bowling Green Rock Band Academy (BGRBA) is more than just a music school—it’s a one-of-a-kind musical community where students of all ages and skill levels come to learn, grow, and perform. Located in Bowling Green, KY, we specialize in both private lessons and group instruction, offering a structured, performance-based program that allows students to gain real-world experience playing in bands and on stage. Our approach is immersive, engaging, and designed for all ages, from young beginners to seasoned musicians looking to refine their skills.

What do you do, and what are you known for?
At BGRBA, we focus on hands-on, experience-driven music education. Our students don’t just learn how to play an instrument—they learn how to collaborate, perform, and gain confidence in their musical abilities. We offer four semesters per year that align with the seasons, each culminating in live performances that give students invaluable stage experience. Our programs range from beginner to advanced rock bands, bluegrass bands, and individual instruction in all musical styles.

BGRBA is known for providing students with unparalleled stage opportunities—our students have opened for The Kentucky Headhunters, Sam Bush, and even shared the stage with Cage the Elephant. We also partner with community events, music festivals, and charitable organizations to bring even more live performance experiences to our students.

What sets BGRBA apart from others?
There are plenty of places to take music lessons, but what makes BGRBA truly special is our incredible teaching staff and commitment to our students’ success. We have over 20 highly skilled instructors, many of whom are professional musicians, college professors, and public school educators. Unlike many corporate music schools, we prioritize our teachers, ensuring they are well-compensated and invested in their students’ growth. More than 80% of our revenue goes directly to our instructors, which allows us to attract and retain the best musicians and educators in the region.

Our reputation extends far beyond Bowling Green—many students travel over an hour, from the Nashville area and beyond, just to be part of our program. This speaks to the unmatched quality of our instruction and the strong sense of community we’ve built at BGRBA.

What are you most proud of as a brand?
We are most proud of the impact we’ve made on our students and the local music scene. Whether it’s a young child picking up an instrument for the first time, a high schooler dreaming of being in a band, or an adult rediscovering their passion for music, we provide an environment where everyone can thrive.

Beyond our educational programs, we are deeply committed to giving back. Through our nonprofit organization, The BG Amplify Foundation, we provide financial assistance and scholarships to students who otherwise couldn’t afford music lessons. Thanks to donations from bands like Korn, Pearl Jam, Jack White, and Dan Auerbach, we continue to make music education accessible to all.

What do you want readers to know about your brand, offerings, and services?
At BGRBA, we believe music is meant to be played, not just studied. We offer an authentic, performance-based education that gives students real-world experience, expert instruction, and a supportive musical community. No matter your age, experience level, or musical style, there is a place for you here.

If you’re looking for the best music instruction in South Central Kentucky, BGRBA is the place to be. Whether you want to learn an instrument, join a band, perform on stage, or simply find a welcoming community of musicians, we have a program for you.

Music isn’t just something you learn—it’s something you live. And at BGRBA, we make sure every student gets the chance to live their musical dreams.

Can you talk to us a bit about happiness and what makes you happy?
Sharing the joy of music. Because it’s simply the best thing on earth.

Pricing:

• Lessons – Ranges from $85 to $125 monthly
• Group Instruction – Ranges from $275 to $375 per semester

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.bgrba.com